Tailgate cover

ABSTRACT

A tailgate cover includes at least one pocket to securely fit over a tailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover includes two or three pockets. The tailgate cover is made of stretchable material such as a stretchable fabric which enables the cover to be stretched securely over the tailgate. To further secure the tailgate cover over the tailgate, any coupling device is able to be used. The tailgate cover is able to include any graphic and/or text.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. section 119(e)to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No.61/130,268, filed May 28, 2008 and entitled “TAILGATE COVER,” which ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of vehicle coverings. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to the field of tailgatecovers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Avid fans do anything to show their pride in their team includingwearing clothes, buying trinkets, placing bumper stickers on vehiclesand fastening flags onto their vehicles, all with team logos.Furthermore, people are continuously looking for ways of advertising,such as putting signs atop taxicabs, placing ads on the sides of busesand affixing stickers to vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A tailgate cover includes at least one pocket to securely fit over atailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover includes two or threepockets. The tailgate cover is made of stretchable material such as astretchable fabric which enables the cover to be stretched securely overthe tailgate. To further secure the tailgate cover over the tailgate,any coupling device is able to be used. The tailgate cover is able toinclude any graphic and/or text.

In one aspect, a tailgate cover for the tailgate of a vehicle comprisesa first section and a second section, wherein the first section is on anouter side of the tailgate for viewing and the second section is slidthrough a gap between the tailgate and a bed of the truck such that thesecond section is on an inner side of the tailgate within the bed areaof the truck. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover further comprisesa pocket which is coupled to or an extension of the first section suchthat the pocket is fit over the top of the tailgate when the tailgatecover is fit onto the tailgate. In these embodiments, the tailgate coverfurther comprises a coupling device which is attached to the first andthe second section of the tailgate cover and the second section ispulled towards the pocket, wherein the two sections are secured by thecoupling device. In these embodiments, the coupling device is one ormore of a hook and loop fastening system, a zipper, grommets, ropethrough loops, hooks through holes, magnets, straps, clips, belts,snaps, bars, sheaths or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the first section of the tailgate cover displays a team logo,advertisement or other graphics and/or text. In these embodiments, thedisplay is placed on the tailgate cover by one or more of sewing,printing, adhesive and etching. In some embodiments, the tailgate coverfurther comprises a slit included in the first section and positioned onthe tailgate where the handle is for access to the handle. In someembodiments, the tailgate cover is configured to fit on the tailgate ofa truck.

In some embodiments, the tailgate cover further comprises flaps whichhelp maintain a secure fit of the tailgate cover on the tailgate. Insome embodiments, the tailgate cover is stretchable or at least includesa stretchable portion. In other embodiments, the tailgate cover furthercomprises a safety cable with a fastener coupled to the tailgate coverthat is used to couple the tailgate cover to a part of the vehicle. Insome of these embodiments, the fastener of the safety cable is a locksuch that the safety cable is able to prevent others from stealing thetailgate cover by locking the tailgate cover to the vehicle. In someembodiments the safety cable comprises one or more of rope, bungee cord,wire cabling or plastic cabling. In other embodiments, the safety cableis a feeder strip that is used to help pull the second section throughthe gap between the tailgate and the bed of the vehicle.

In another aspect, a tailgate cover for a vehicle comprises a firstsection, a second section, wherein the first section is on an outer sideof the tailgate for viewing and the second section is slid through a gapbetween the tailgate and a bed of the truck such that the second sectionis on an inner side of the tailgate within the bed area of the truck, afirst pocket that fits over the top of the tailgate, wherein the firstpocket is coupled to or is an extension of the first section and asecond pocket. In some embodiments, the second pocket is coupled to oris an extension of the second section and fits on the bottom of thetailgate. In this embodiment, on each of the first section and thesecond section and/or the first pocket is a coupling device for securingthe tailgate cover on the tailgate. In some embodiments, the secondpocket is coupled to or is an extension of the second section and sitson top of or underneath the first pocket at the top of the tailgate. Inother embodiments, the tailgate cover further comprises a third pocket.In these embodiments, the second pocket fits over the bottom of thetailgate and the third pocket fits on top of or underneath the firstpocket at the top of the tailgate and the second pocket is coupled to oris an extension of the first section at the opposite end of the firstsection from the first pocket and the third pocket is coupled to or isan extension of the second section.

In some embodiments, the tailgate cover is stretchable or at leastincludes a stretchable portion. In some embodiments, the first sectiondisplays a team logo, advertisement or other graphics and/or text. Inthese embodiments, the display is placed on the tailgate cover by one ormore of sewing, printing, adhesive and etching. In other embodiments,the tailgate cover further comprises a slit included in the firstsection and positioned on the tailgate where the handle is for access tothe handle. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover is configured to fiton the tailgate of a truck.

Another aspect relates to a method of securing a tailgate cover to atailgate. In this aspect, the method comprises the steps of securing afirst pocket of the tailgate cover on top of the tailgate and sliding asecond section of the tailgate cover through a gap between the tailgateand a bed of the truck. The first pocket is secured to the top of thetailgate by stretching the pocket to cover the top of the tailgate andthe second section of the tailgate cover is secured such that thetailgate cover securely fits on the tailgate thereby protecting thetailgate and displaying a team logo, advertisement or other graphicsand/or text. In these embodiments, the display is placed on the tailgatecover by one or more of sewing, printing, adhesive and etching. In someembodiments, the tailgate cover further comprises a coupling device forcoupling the second section to the first pocket, wherein the secondsection is pulled towards the first pocket and the device is securedtogether.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises sliding a secondpocket through the gap between the tailgate and the bed of the truck. Insome of these embodiments, the second pocket is opposite the firstpocket and the second pocket is secured at the bottom of the tailgate bystretching the pocket to cover the bottom of the tailgate. Where thesecond pocket is opposite the first pocket and the second pocket issecured at the bottom of the tailgate, a third pocket is also able to beslid through the gap between the tailgate and the bed of the truck. Inthese embodiments, the third pocket is at the end of the second sectionand third pocket is stretched over the top or underneath the firstpocket at the top of the tailgate. In other embodiments, the secondpocket is slid through the gap between the tailgate and the bed of thetruck, wherein the second pocket is at the end of the second section andis stretched over the top of or underneath the first pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a tailgate cover fora tailgate of a truck in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coverpositioned to be secured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coversecured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a tailgate cover fora tailgate of a truck in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coverpositioned to be secured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coversecured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coverpositioned to be secured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coversecured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coverpositioned to be secured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a tailgate coversecured to a tailgate of a truck in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the tailgate cover secured on atailgate of a truck in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of securing a tailgate coveron a tailgate in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the tailgate cover secured on atailgate of a truck in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1A illustrates a rear view of a tailgate cover 100 for a tailgateof a truck. The tailgate cover 100 includes a first section 102 and asecond section 104 such that the first section 102 is on the outer sideof the tailgate for viewing, and the second section 104 is on the innerside of the tailgate within the bed area of a truck. In someembodiments, the first section 102 is the inner side and the secondsection 104 is the outer side. The tailgate cover 100 also includes apocket 106 which fits over the top of a tailgate. The pocket 106 iscoupled to or is an extension of the first section 102. On each of thefirst section 102, the second section 104 and/or the pocket 106 is acoupling device 108 for securing the tailgate cover 100 on the tailgate.For example, FIG. 1 shows the lip of the pocket 106 with the couplingdevice 108 and the lip of the second section 104 with the couplingdevice 108. The second section 104 is pulled towards the pocket 106 andthe two are secured together with the coupling device 108. The couplingdevice 108 includes, but is not limited to, a hook and loop fabric, azipper, grommets, rope through loops, hooks through holes, magnets,straps, clips, belts, snaps, bars, sheaths, combinations of devices orany other device for coupling pieces of material. In some embodiments,side flaps 110 are also included which help maintain a secure fit. Insome embodiments, the side flaps 110 are not included. In embodimentswith the side flaps 110, the side flaps 110 include the coupling device108, and the second section 104 includes a corresponding coupling device108. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the side flaps 110 couple to thesecond section 104 with the coupling device 108.

The material of the tailgate cover 100 is stretchable or at leastincludes a stretchable portion. In some embodiments, the entire tailgatecover 100 is stretchable. In some embodiments, the pocket 106 isstretchable, and part of the first section 102 and part of the secondsection 104 is stretchable. Examples of stretchable materials include,but are not limited to stretchable fabric, elastomers, soft stretchableplastics or rubber. The material is stretchable such that the pocket 106is able to securely stretch over and remain on the top of the tailgate.In some embodiments, the first section 102 and the second section 104are smaller than the tailgate when unstretched, but when stretched, thefirst section 102 and the second section 104 are able to expand andcover the tailgate. For example, the distance around a tailgate is 5feet, and the first section 102 and second section 104 combined are 4feet when unstretched but are able to be stretched to the full 5 feet.In some embodiments, the pocket 106 is smaller than the tailgate whenunstretched but when stretched the pocket 106 is able to expand aroundthe tailgate. This expansion and then contraction around the tailgateenables the first section 102, the second section 104 and the pocket 106to obtain a very secure and tight fit on the tailgate. In someembodiments, the tailgate cover 100 is one-size-fits-all for all trucks,and in some embodiments, the tailgate cover 100 is manufactured indifferent sizes such as for small, medium and large trucks.

In some embodiments, a safety cable 120 with a fastener 122 is coupledto the tailgate cover 100. The safety cable 120 is used to couple thetailgate cover 100 to a part of the truck in the event that the tailgatecover 100 somehow becomes loose from the tailgate. The safety cable 120is securely fastened to the truck. The safety cable 120 is able tocouple to the tailgate cover 100 anywhere to the truck using thefastener 122. For example, some trucks have loops in the bed to receivehooks. The fastener 122 is able to be any type of fastener or couplingmechanism such as a hook, a clasp, a lock, a magnet, a clip, a hook andloop fabric or anything else to ensure the tailgate cover 100 does notget lost. The safety cable 120 is able to be any type of material strongenough not to break if the tailgate cover 100 is pulled by the wind.Possible materials of the safety cable 120 include, but are not limitedto, rope, bungee cord, wire cabling or plastic cabling. In someembodiments, the safety cable 120 does not include a fastener 122. Forexample, the safety cable 120 is simply rope which is tied to the truck.In some embodiments, the safety cable 120 is detachable from thetailgate cover 100 for those who do not want to use the safety cable120. In embodiments where the fastener 122 is a lock (e.g. combination,key or other), the safety cable 120 is able to prevent others fromstealing the tailgate cover 100 by locking to the truck. Although thesafety cable 120 is only shown in FIG. 1A to prevent cluttering of thedrawings, the safety cable 120 is able to be included in any of theembodiments.

In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the safety cable 120being used to prevent the tailgate cover 100 from being lost, the safetycable 120 is used as a feeder strip to help pull the second section 104through the gap between the tailgate and the bed of the truck. Forexample, part of the safety cable 120 is fed through the gap from withinthe bed area of the truck. The safety cable 120 is then coupled to thesecond section 104 of the tailgate cover 100. The coupling depends onthe configuration of the fastener 122 of the safety cable 120 and/or thecoupling device 108 of the second section 104. For example, if thefastener 122 is one side of a hook and loop fabric (e.g. hooks), and thecoupling device 108 is the other side of the hook and loop fabric (e.g.loops), the fastener 122 is able to couple to the second section 104 bycoupling the hooks and loops together. Any implementation of couplingthe safety cable 120 to the second section 104 is possible. Once thesafety cable 120 is coupled to the second section 104, they are bothpulled back through the gap between the tailgate and the bed. Then, thesafety cable 120 is able to be removed, and if desired, used as a safetycable 120 as described above to prevent losing the tailgate cover 100.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the tailgate cover 100 positioned tobe secured to a tailgate 150 of a truck. The pocket 106 is positioned onthe top of the tailgate 150. In some embodiments, the pocket 106 is madeof an elastic or other stretchable material that stretches over thetailgate 150 and securely remains over the tailgate 150 due to theelastic compression on the tailgate 150. The second section 104 is fedthrough a gap between the tailgate 150 and the bed 152 of the truck.Once through the gap, the second section 104 is on the inner side of thetailgate 150, inner being the inside of the truck, not the actual insideof the tailgate 150. The first section 102 is positioned on the outerside of the tailgate 150 for display of the graphics and/or text on thetailgate cover 100. The display is placed on the tailgate cover by oneor more of sewing, printing, adhesive and etching. To secure thetailgate cover 100 on the tailgate 150 further, the second section 104is then pulled upwards and towards the pocket 106 to couple the couplingdevice 108 (FIG. 1). The elastic/stretchable material of the tailgatecover 100 ensures a tight fit around the tailgate 150. To secure thetailgate cover 100 even further, the side flaps 110, when included, areable to be secured to the second section 104 around the side of thetailgate 150. For some trucks, the tailgate 150 must be in the down/openposition for the tailgate cover 100 to be positioned on the tailgate 150and/or the side flaps 110 to be secured.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the tailgate cover 100 secured to thetailgate 150 of the truck. The pocket 106 is securely positioned on thetop of the tailgate 150. The second section 104 is secured to the pocket106 using the coupling device 108. The side flaps 110 are secured to thesecond section 104 using the coupling device 108. The first side 102,the second side 104, the pocket 106 and the side flaps 110 are tightlypositioned against the tailgate 150 due to the elastic nature of thematerial of the tailgate cover 100. With the tailgate cover 100 securedin place, the front section 102 displays the graphics and/or text of thecover 100.

FIG. 2A illustrates a rear view of a tailgate cover 200 for a tailgateof a truck. The tailgate cover 200 includes a first section 202 and asecond section 204 such that the first section 202 is on the outer sideof the tailgate for viewing, and the second section 204 is on the innerside of the tailgate within the bed area of a truck. In someembodiments, the first section 202 is the inner side and the secondsection 204 is the outer side. The tailgate cover 200 also includes afirst pocket 206 which fits over the top of a tailgate and a secondpocket 212 which fits on the bottom of the tailgate. The first pocket206 is coupled to or is an extension of the first section 202. Thesecond pocket 212 is coupled to or is an extension of the first section202 at an opposing end of the first pocket 206. The second section 204is coupled to or is an extension of the second pocket 212. On each ofthe first section 202, the second section 204 and/or the first pocket206 is a coupling device 208 for securing the tailgate cover 200 on thetailgate. For example, FIG. 2 shows the lip of the first pocket 206 withthe coupling device 208 and the lip of the second section 204 with thecoupling device 208. The second section 204 is pulled towards the firstpocket 206 and the two are secured together with the coupling device208. The coupling device 208 includes, but is not limited to, a hook andloop fabric, a zipper, grommets, rope through loops, hooks throughholes, magnets, straps, clips, belts, snaps, bars, sheaths, combinationsof devices or any other device for coupling pieces of material. In someembodiments, side flaps 210 are also included which help maintain asecure fit. In some embodiments, the side flaps 210 are not included. Inembodiments with the side flaps 210, the side flaps 210 include thecoupling device 208, and the second section 204 includes a correspondingcoupling device 208. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the side flaps 210couple to the second section 204 with the coupling device 208.

The material of the tailgate cover 200 is stretchable or at leastincludes a stretchable portion. In some embodiments, the entire tailgatecover 200 is stretchable. In some embodiments, the first pocket 206 andthe second pocket 212 are stretchable and part of the first section 202and part of the second section 204 is stretchable. Examples ofstretchable materials include, but are not limited to stretchablefabric, elastomers, soft stretchable plastics or rubber. The material isstretchable such that the first pocket 206 and the second pocket 212 areable to securely stretch over and remain on the tailgate. In someembodiments the first section 202 and the second section 204 are smallerthan the tailgate when unstretched, but when stretched, the firstsection 202 and the second section 204 are able to expand and cover thetailgate. For example, the distance around a tailgate is 5 feet, and thefirst section 202 and second section 204 combined are 4 feet whenunstretched but are able to be stretched to the full 5 feet. In someembodiments, the first pocket 206 and the second pocket 212 are smallerthan the tailgate when unstretched but when stretched the first pocket206 and the second pocket 212 are able to expand around the tailgate.This expansion and then contraction around the tailgate enables thefirst section 202, the second section 204, the first pocket 206 and thesecond pocket 212 to obtain a very secure and tight fit on the tailgate.In some embodiments, the tailgate cover 200 is one-size-fits-all for alltrucks, and in some embodiments, the tailgate cover 200 is manufacturedin different sizes such as for small, medium and large trucks.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the tailgate cover 200 positioned tobe secured to a tailgate 150 of a truck. The first pocket 206 ispositioned on the top of the tailgate 150, and the second pocket 212 ispositioned at the opposite end (e.g. the bottom) of the tailgate 150. Insome embodiments, the first pocket 206 and the second pocket 212 aremade of an elastic or other stretchable material that stretches over thetailgate 150 and securely remains over the tailgate 150 due to theelastic compression on the tailgate 150. The second section 204 is fedthrough a gap between the tailgate 150 and the bed 152 of the truck.Once through the gap, the second section 204 is on the inner side of thetailgate 150, inner being the inside of the truck, not the actual insideof the tailgate 150. The first section 202 is positioned on the outerside of the tailgate 150 for display of the graphics and/or text on thetailgate cover 200. The display is placed on the tailgate cover by oneor more of sewing, printing, adhesive and etching. To secure thetailgate cover 200 on the tailgate 150 further, the second section 204is then pulled upwards and towards the first pocket 206 to couple thecoupling device 208 (FIG. 1). The elastic/stretchable material of thetailgate cover 200 ensures a tight fit around the tailgate 150. Tosecure the tailgate cover 200 even further, the side flaps 210, whenincluded, are able to be secured to the second section 204 around theside of the tailgate 150. For some trucks, the tailgate 150 must be inthe down/open position for the tailgate cover 200 to be positioned onthe tailgate 150 and/or the side flaps 210 to be secured.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the tailgate cover 200 secured to thetailgate 150 of the truck. The first pocket 206 is securely positionedon the top of the tailgate 150, and the second pocket 212 is securelypositioned on the opposite side (e.g. bottom) of the tailgate 150. Thesecond section 204 is secured to the first pocket 206 using the couplingdevice 208. The side flaps 210 are secured to the second section 204using the coupling device 208. The first side 202, the second side 204,the first pocket 206, the second pocket 212 and the side flaps 210 aretightly positioned against the tailgate 150 due to the stretchablenature of the material of the tailgate cover 200. With the tailgatecover 200 secured in place, the front section 202 displays the graphicsand/or text of the cover 200. The display is placed on the tailgatecover by one or more of sewing, printing, adhesive and etching.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a tailgate cover 300 for the tailgate150 of a truck. The tailgate cover 300 includes a first section 302 anda second section 304 such that the first section 302 is on the outerside of the tailgate 150 for viewing, and the second section 304 is onthe inner side of the tailgate 150 within the bed area of a truck. Insome embodiments, the first section 302 is the inner side and the secondsection 304 is the outer side. The tailgate cover 300 also includes afirst pocket 306 which fits over the top of the tailgate 150 and asecond pocket 312 which fits on top of or underneath the first pocket306 at the top of the tailgate. The first pocket 306 is coupled to or isan extension of the first section 302. The second pocket 312 is coupledto or is an extension of the second section 304. The second pocket 312removes the need for the coupling device of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, foradded security, the coupling device is able to be included located inpositions similar to those shown for FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, in someembodiments side flaps are also able to be included.

The material of the tailgate cover 300 is stretchable or at leastincludes a stretchable portion. In some embodiments, the entire tailgatecover 300 is stretchable. In some embodiments, the first pocket 306 andthe second pocket 312 are stretchable and part of the first section 302and part of the second section 304 is stretchable. Examples ofstretchable materials include, but are not limited to stretchablefabric, elastomers, soft stretchable plastics or rubber. The material isstretchable such that the first pocket 306 and the second pocket 312 areable to securely stretch over and remain on the top of the tailgate. Insome embodiments the first section 302 and the second section 304 aresmaller than the tailgate when unstretched, but when stretched, thefirst section 302 and the second section 304 are able to expand andcover the tailgate. For example, the distance around a tailgate is 5feet, and the first section 302 and second section 304 combined are 4feet when unstretched but are able to be stretched to the full 5 feet.In some embodiments, the first pocket 306 and the second pocket 312 aresmaller than the tailgate when unstretched but when stretched the firstpocket 306 and the second pocket 312 are able to expand around thetailgate and/or each other. This expansion and then contraction aroundthe tailgate enables the first section 302, the second section 304, thefirst pocket 306 and the second pocket 312 to obtain a very secure andtight fit on the tailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover 300is one-size-fits-all for all trucks, and in some embodiments, thetailgate cover 300 is manufactured in different sizes such as for small,medium and large trucks.

In some embodiments, the first pocket 306 and the second pocket 312 aremade of an elastic or other stretchable material that stretches over thetailgate 150 and securely remains over the tailgate 150 due to theelastic compression on the tailgate 150. The second pocket 312 and thesecond section 304 are fed through a gap between the tailgate 150 andthe bed 152 of the truck. The second pocket 312 is made of material thinenough and is configurable to fit through the gap. Once through the gap,the second section 304 is on the inner side of the tailgate 150, innerbeing the inside of the truck, not the actual inside of the tailgate150. The first section 302 is positioned on the outer side of thetailgate 150 for display of the graphics and/or text on the tailgatecover 300. The display is placed on the tailgate cover by one or more ofsewing, printing, adhesive and etching. To secure the tailgate cover 300on the tailgate 150 further, the second pocket 312 is then pulledupwards and towards the first pocket 306 and covers the first pocket306. In some embodiments, the second pocket 312 is secured on thetailgate 150 and the first pocket 306 then goes over the second pocket312. The elastic/stretchable material of the tailgate cover 300 ensuresa tight fit around the tailgate 150. For some trucks, the tailgate 150must be in the down/open position for the tailgate cover 300 to bepositioned on the tailgate 150.

FIG. 3B illustrates aside view of the tailgate cover 300 secured to thetailgate 150 of the truck. The first pocket 306 is securely positionedon the top of the tailgate 150, and the second pocket 312 is securelypositioned over the first pocket 306. The first side 302, the secondside 304, the first pocket 306 and the second pocket 312 are tightlypositioned against the tailgate 150 due to the elastic nature of thematerial of the tailgate cover 300. With the tailgate cover 300 securedin place, the front section 302 displays the graphics and/or text of thecover 300. The display is placed on the tailgate cover by one or more ofsewing, printing, adhesive and etching.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a tailgate cover 400 for the tailgate150 of a truck. The tailgate cover 400 includes a first section 402 anda second section 404 such that the first section 402 is on the outerside of the tailgate 150 for viewing, and the second section 404 is onthe inner side of the tailgate 150 within the bed area of a truck. Insome embodiments, the first section 402 is the inner side and the secondsection 404 is the outer side. The tailgate cover 400 also includes afirst pocket 406 which fits over the top of the tailgate 150, a secondpocket 412 which fits over the bottom of the tailgate 150 and a thirdpocket 414 which fits on top of or underneath the first pocket 406 atthe top of the tailgate. The first pocket 406 is coupled to or is anextension of the first section 402. The second pocket 412 is coupled toor is an extension of the first section 402 at the opposite end of thefirst section 402 from the first pocket 406. The third pocket 414 iscoupled to or is an extension of the second section 414. The secondpocket 412 and the third pocket 414 remove the need for the couplingdevice of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, for added security, the couplingdevice is able to be included located in positions similar to thoseshown for FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, in some embodiments side flaps arealso able to be included.

The material of the tailgate cover 400 is stretchable or at leastincludes a stretchable portion. In some embodiments, the entire tailgatecover 400 is stretchable. In some embodiments, the first pocket 406, thesecond pocket 412 and the third pocket 414 are stretchable, and part ofthe first section 402 and part of the second section 404 is stretchable.Examples of stretchable materials include, but are not limited tostretchable fabric, elastomers, soft stretchable plastics or rubber. Thematerial is stretchable such that the first pocket 406, the secondpocket 412 and the third pocket 414 are able to securely stretch overand remain on the tailgate. In some embodiments the first section 402and the second section 404 are smaller than the tailgate whenunstretched, but when stretched, the first section 402 and the secondsection 404 are able to expand and cover the tailgate. For example, thedistance around a tailgate is 5 feet, and the first section 402 andsecond section 404 combined are 4 feet when unstretched but are able tobe stretched to the full 5 feet. In some embodiments, the first pocket406, the second pocket 412 and the third pocket 414 are smaller than thetailgate when unstretched but when stretched the first pocket 406, thesecond pocket 412 and the third pocket 414 are able to expand around thetailgate and/or each other with respect to the first pocket 406 and thesecond pocket 412. This expansion and then contraction around thetailgate enables the first section 402, the second section 404, thefirst pocket 406, the second pocket 412 and the third pocket 414 toobtain a very secure and tight fit on the tailgate. In some embodiments,the tailgate cover 400 is one-size-fits-all for all trucks, and in someembodiments, the tailgate cover 400 is manufactured in different sizessuch as for small, medium and large trucks.

In some embodiments, the first pocket 406, the second pocket 412 and thethird pocket 414 are made of an elastic or other stretchable materialthat stretches over the tailgate 150 and securely remains over thetailgate 150 due to the elastic compression on the tailgate 150. Thethird pocket 414 and the second section 404 are fed through a gapbetween the tailgate 150 and the bed 152 of the truck. The third pocket414 is made of material thin enough and is configurable to fit throughthe gap. Once through the gap, the second section 404 is on the innerside of the tailgate 150, inner being the inside of the truck, not theactual inside of the tailgate 150. The first section 402 is positionedon the outer side of the tailgate 150 for display of the graphics and/ortext on the tailgate cover 400. The display is placed on the tailgatecover by one or more of sewing, printing, adhesive and etching. Tosecure the tailgate cover 400 on the tailgate 150 further, the thirdpocket 414 is then pulled upwards and towards the first pocket 406 andcovers the first pocket 406. In some embodiments, the third pocket 414is secured on the tailgate 150 and the first pocket 406 then goes overthe third pocket 414. The elastic/stretchable material of the tailgatecover 400 ensures a tight fit around the tailgate 150. For some trucks,the tailgate 150 must be in the down/open position for the tailgatecover 400 to be positioned on the tailgate 150.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the tailgate cover 400 secured to thetailgate 150 of the truck. The first pocket 406 is securely positionedon the top of the tailgate 150. The second pocket 412 is securelypositioned over the opposite end (e.g. the bottom) of the tailgate 150.The third pocket 414 is securely positioned over the first pocket 406.The first side 402, the second side 404, the first pocket 406, thesecond pocket 412 and the third pocket 414 are tightly positionedagainst the tailgate 150 due to the elastic nature of the material ofthe tailgate cover 400. With the tailgate cover 400 secured in place,the front section 402 displays the graphics and/or text of the cover400. The display is placed on the tailgate cover by one or more ofsewing, printing, adhesive and etching.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the tailgate cover 100 secured inplace. With the tailgate cover 100 secured in place, the first section102 is visible to those behind the truck. In some embodiments, a slit130 is included in the first section 102. The slit 130 is positionedwhere the tailgate handle is, for access to the handle. In someembodiments, the slit 130 includes a zipper or other closing mechanism.Although FIG. 5 shows the tailgate cover 100, any of the other tailgatecovers 200, 300, 400 would appear similar. Furthermore, although theslit 130 is only shown on the tailgate cover 100, the slit 130 is ableto be included on any of the other tailgate covers 200, 300, 400.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of securing a tailgate coveron a tailgate. In the step 600, a first pocket is secured on the top ofthe tailgate. As described above, the first pocket is secured by simplystretching the pocket over the top of the tailgate and allowing thecontraction of the stretchable material to securely hold the pocket inplace. In the step 602, a second section of the tailgate cover is slidthrough a gap between the tailgate and the bed of the truck. In someembodiments, the second section and a second or third pocket are slidthrough the gap. In some embodiments, a feeder strip is used to helpslide/pull the tailgate cover through the gap. In some embodiments, theorder of the steps 600 and 602 is reversed. If the tailgate cover has asecond pocket positioned opposite the first pocket on the first section,then in the step 604, the second pocket is secured on the bottom of thetailgate. If the tailgate cover has a second or a third pocketpositioned on the end of the second section, then in the step 606, thesecond or third pocket is secured over the first pocket. If the tailgatecover has a coupling device for coupling the second section to the firstpocket, then in the step 608, the second section is secured to thepocket using the coupling device. If the tailgate cover has at least oneside flap, then in the step 610, the side flap(s) are secured to thesecond section. Once all of the pockets, coupling devices and/or sideflaps are secured, the tailgate cover is secured to the tailgate and thefirst section is able to be displayed on the back of the truck on thetailgate.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the tailgate cover 100 secured inplace. With the tailgate cover 100 secured in place, the first section102 with a stitched label 700 is visible to those behind the truck. Insome embodiments, a slit 130 is included in the first section 102. Theslit 130 is positioned where the tailgate handle is, for access to thehandle. In some embodiments, the slit 130 includes a zipper or otherclosing mechanism. Although FIG. 7 shows the tailgate cover 100, any ofthe other tailgate covers 200, 300, 400 would appear similar.

To utilize the tailgate cover, a user secures the tailgate cover on thetailgate of a vehicle. The method of securing the tailgate coverpartially depends on the configuration of the tailgate cover. For sometrucks, the tailgate must be opened to start the process and closed tofinish the process. A first pocket is secured on the top of the tailgateby stretching the pocket to cover the top of the tailgate. The stretchedpocket then contracts on the top of the tailgate and is secured in placeby the inward pressure. A second section of the tailgate cover is slidthrough a gap between the tailgate and the bed of the truck. In someembodiments, a second or third pocket is also slid through the gap. Inembodiments with a second pocket opposite the first pocket, the secondpocket is secured at the bottom of the tailgate in the same way as thefirst pocket. In embodiments with a second pocket or a third pocket atthe end of the second section, the second or third pocket is stretchedover the first pocket at the top of the tailgate. When securing thepocket at the bottom of the tailgate the first section is stretchedwhich further applies a force to keep the pockets on. Similarly, whensecuring the additional pocket at the top of the tailgate, the secondsection is stretched to apply more force to keep the pockets on. Inembodiments with a coupling device for coupling the second section tothe first pocket, the second section is pulled towards the first pocketand the coupling device is secured together. For example, if thecoupling device is a hook and loop fabric, such as Velcro®, the hooksection is pushed together with the loop section. In embodiments withside straps, the side straps are coupled to the second section aroundthe sides of the tailgate. Securing the tailgate cover is easily donewith little effort and few parts. Removal of the tailgate cover issimilarly easy, simply by reversing the steps of securing by undoing thecoupling device and/or side straps if included, pulling off the pocketsand removing the second section through the gap between the tailgate andthe bed.

In operation, the tailgate cover protects the tailgate and displays ateam logo, advertisement or other graphics and/or text. The one or morepockets and stretchable material ensure a secure fit on the tailgate.Furthermore, additional coupling devices, side straps and the safetycord also help maintain a safe and secure fit of the tailgate cover onthe tailgate.

The stretchable material provides several advantages over priorimplementations. The stretchable material provides a very secure fit onthe tailgate. The stretchable material is able to be a solid color onwhich text and/or graphics are then printed separately (e.g. bysilkscreening) or a separate label is able to be stitched, sewn, gluedor otherwise attached to the stretchable material. For example, if apurchaser of the tailgate cover chooses to purchase a blank tailgatecover and then print or attach his company logo on the cover, he is ableto do so. The stretchable material is easily washed, for example, bywashing machine. Any other means of placing text and/or graphics on thetailgate cover is possible as well.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding ofprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other variousmodifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustrationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the claims.

1-24. (canceled)
 25. A method of securing a tailgate cover to atailgate, comprising: a. securing a first pocket of the tailgate coveron top of the tailgate; and b. sliding a second section of the tailgatecover through a gap between the tailgate and a bed of a vehicle; whereinthe first pocket is secured to the top of the tailgate by stretching thepocket to cover the top of the tailgate and the second section of thetailgate cover is secured such that the tailgate cover securely fits onthe tailgate thereby protecting the tailgate and displaying a team logo,advertisement or other graphics and/or text.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein a second pocket is slid through the gap between the tailgate andthe bed of the vehicle, wherein the second pocket is opposite the firstpocket and the second pocket is secured at the bottom of the tailgate bystretching the pocket to cover the bottom of the tailgate.
 27. Themethod of claim 25, wherein a third pocket is also slid through the gapbetween the tailgate and the bed of the vehicle, wherein the thirdpocket is at the end of the second section and the third pocket isstretched over the top of the tailgate.
 28. The method of claim 25,wherein a second pocket is slid through the gap between the tailgate andthe bed of the vehicle, wherein the second pocket is at the end of thesecond section and the second pocket is stretched over the top orunderneath the first pocket at the top of the tailgate.
 29. The methodof claim 25, wherein the tailgate cover further comprises a couplingdevice for coupling the second section to the first pocket, wherein thesecond section is pulled towards the first pocket and coupling device issecured together.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the couplingdevice comprises one or more of a hook and loop fastening system, azipper, grommets, rope through loops, hooks through holes, magnets,straps, clips, belts, snaps, bars, sheaths or any combination thereof.31. A stretchable tailgate cover for a tailgate of a vehicle,comprising: a. a first section comprising displayed information andpositioned on an outer side of the tailgate when the tailgate cover ismounted on the tailgate; b. a second section for sliding through a gapbetween the tailgate and a bed such that the second section ispositioned on an inner side of the tailgate when the tailgate cover ismounted on the tailgate; c. a first pocket that fits over a top of thetailgate, wherein the first pocket is an extension of the first section;d. a second pocket that fits over a bottom of the tailgate, wherein thesecond pocket is an extension of the first section at an opposing endfrom the first pocket; and e. a third pocket that fits at the top of thetailgate, wherein the third pocket is an extension of the secondsection.
 32. The tailgate cover of claim 31, wherein the first sectioncomprises a slit corresponding to a location of a handle on thetailgate, the slit allowing for access to the handle.
 33. The tailgatecover of claim 31, wherein the displayed information of the firstsection is one or more of a team logo, an advertisement, graphics and/ortext.
 34. The tailgate cover of claim 33, wherein the display is placedon the tailgate cover by one or more of sewing, printing, adhesive andetching.
 35. The tailgate cover of claim 31, further comprising acoupling device which is attached to the first and the second section ofthe tailgate cover and the second section is pulled towards the pocket,wherein the two sections are secured by the coupling device.
 36. Thestretchable tailgate cover of claim 31, wherein the coupling device isone or more of a hook and loop fastening system, a zipper, grommets,rope through loops, hooks through holes, magnets, straps, clips, belts,snaps, bars, sheaths or any combination thereof.
 37. The stretchabletailgate cover of claim 31, further comprising flaps which help maintaina secure fit of the tailgate cover on the tailgate.
 38. The stretchabletailgate cover of claim 31, further comprising a safety cable with afastener coupled to the tailgate cover that is used to couple thetailgate cover to a part of the vehicle.
 39. The stretchable tailgatecover of claim 38, wherein the fastener is a lock such that the safetycable is able to prevent others from stealing the tailgate cover bylocking the tailgate cover to the vehicle.
 40. The stretchable tailgatecover of claim 38, wherein the safety cable is one or more of rope,bungee cord, wire cabling or plastic cabling.
 41. The stretchabletailgate cover of claim 38, wherein the safety cable is a feeder stripthat is used to help pull the second section through the gap between thetailgate and the bed of the vehicle.
 42. A stretchable tailgate coverfor a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising: a. a first section; b. a secondsection; and c. one or more pockets that fits over the tailgate in orderto secure the stretchable tailgate cover on the tailgate.
 43. Thestretchable tailgate cover of claim 42 wherein the first section is onan outer side of the tailgate for viewing and the second section is slidthrough a gap between the tailgate and a bed of the vehicle such thatthe second section is on an inner side of the tailgate within the bedarea of the vehicle.
 44. The stretchable tailgate cover of claim 42,wherein the first section displays a team logo, advertisement or othergraphics and/or text.
 45. The stretchable tailgate cover of claim 42,wherein the display is placed on the tailgate cover by one or more ofsewing, printing, adhesive and etching.
 46. The stretchable tailgatecover of claim 42, further comprising a slit included in the firstsection positioned where the tailgate handle is on the tailgate, foraccess to the handle.